The 2002 Ford Taurus, like all modern vehicles, relies on an On-Board Diagnostics system, specifically OBD2, to monitor and manage its various systems. This system is crucial for diagnosing issues and ensuring your vehicle runs efficiently. A key component of the OBD2 system is its fuse, which protects it from electrical overloads. If you’re experiencing problems with your OBD2 scanner connecting or suspect a related electrical issue, checking the OBD2 fuse is a good first step. This article will guide you through locating the OBD2 fuse on your 2002 Ford Taurus and understanding its function within the car’s electrical system.
Your 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with two primary fuse boxes. Knowing the location of each is essential for effective vehicle maintenance and troubleshooting. These are the passenger compartment fuse panel and the power distribution box, both housing fuses and relays that protect different circuits throughout your car.
The passenger compartment fuse panel is generally located inside the vehicle. For the 2002 Ford Taurus, you’ll find it beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. This fuse box houses fuses and relays for many of the interior and accessory circuits in your vehicle.
Within the passenger compartment fuse box, you can find the fuse related to the OBD II connector. According to the diagram, fuse number 30, which is a 15A MICRO2 fuse, is designated for the “Horns and horn switch, OBD II connector”. This means that if you are experiencing issues with your OBD2 port, such as a scanner not powering on or failing to communicate with the vehicle’s computer, this fuse should be one of the first components you inspect.
Here is a detailed listing of the fuses and relays within the passenger compartment fuse panel of your 2002 Ford Taurus:
| Type | No. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Relay | 1 | Accessory delay relay |
| Relay | 2 | Driver one touch down relay |
| Relay | 3 | Blower motor relay |
| Relay | 4 | Flasher relay |
| Fuse FMX/JCase 40A | 7 | Rear defrost grid feed |
| Fuse FMX/JCase 40A | 8 | Blower motor |
| Relay | 9 | Rear defrost relay |
| Circuit breaker ATO | 10 | Circuit breaker: Power seats, Delayed accessory, Adjustable pedals |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 11 | Integrated control panel (ICP), Rear washer wiper control, Front washer, Cell phone, Passenger switch illumination, GEM, Rear wiper motor |
| Fuse MICRO2 10A | 12 | Heated mirrors, Rear defrost switch |
| Fuse MICRO2 20A | 13 | Power point View problems with the cigarette lighter fuse… |
| Fuse MICRO2 30A | 15 | Front wiper motor |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 16 | Flasher and GEM power, Integrated control panel (ICP) power, RCC memory, Cluster |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 17 | Stop lamp, Speed control deactivating switch View problems with the brake light fuse… |
| Fuse MICRO2 20A | 22 | Deck lid release solenoid, Lock/unlock relays |
| Fuse MICRO2 10A | 23 | Air bag module, PATS transceiver |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 24 | Transit relay |
| Fuse MICRO2 2A | 25 | PCM relay, Fuel pump relay View problems with the fuel pump fuse… |
| Fuse MICRO2 10A | 26 | Mirrors, Power antenna, Pulse stretcher module, Deck lid lamp, Battery saver |
| Fuse MICRO2 10A | 27 | Gauges and warning lamps, Integrated control panel (ICP), FFV sender, GEM |
| Fuse MICRO2 10A | 28 | Blower motor relay coil, EATC logic, Puddle lamps |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 29 | Autolamps, Park lamps, PWM, Headlamp switch |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 30 | Horns and horn switch, OBD II connector View problems with the horn fuse… |
| Fuse MICRO2 10A | 32 | ABS, DRL relay coil, Speed control actuator, Traction control switch, AC heater selector switch, Blend door actuator, Brake shift interlock, Rear defroster relay coil View problems with the headlight fuse… |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 36 | Turn signals, Back-up lamps |
| Fuse MICRO2 15A | 37 | Transmission position switch |
| Fuse MICRO2 5A | 38 | GEM park neutral switch |
The second fuse box, the power distribution box, is located in the engine compartment. Typically, you can find it under the hood, often near the battery or engine control module. This box contains fuses and relays that manage higher-current systems, including engine management, starting, and charging systems.
While the OBD2 fuse itself is located in the passenger compartment fuse box, understanding the power distribution box is also valuable for comprehensive electrical troubleshooting. Here’s a breakdown of the components within the power distribution box of your 2002 Ford Taurus:
| Type | No. | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fuse MAXI 60A | 1 | Fuse junction panel |
| Fuse MAXI 30A | 2 | PCM relay |
| Fuse MAXI 60A | 3 | Fuse junction panel |
| Fuse MAXI 40A | 7 | Starter relay, Ignition switch View problems with the starter fuse… |
| Fuse MAXI 20A | 8 | Transit relay [export only] |
| Fuse MAXI 40A | 9 | Cooling fan relays View problems with the cooling fan fuse… |
| Fuse MAXI 40A | 13 | Anti-lock brake module pump feed |
| Fuse MINI 20A | 15 | Anti-lock brake module valve solenoid |
| Fuse MINI 20A | 16 | Fuel pump relay View problems with the fuel pump fuse… |
| Fuse MINI 20A | 17 | Cell port |
| Fuse MINI 20A | 18 | Cigar lighter View problems with the cigarette lighter fuse… |
| Fuse MINI 15A | 19 | Right headlamp View problems with the headlight fuse… |
| Fuse MINI 15A | 21 | Left headlamp View problems with the headlight fuse… |
| Fuse MINI 10A | 22 | A/C clutch relay, PCM keep alive power View problems with the air conditioning fuse… |
| Relay | 23 | Starter motor relay View problems with the starter relay… |
| Relay | 24 | Fan relay View problems with the cooling fan relay… |
| Relay | 25 | Wiper speed relay |
| Fuse MINI 10A | 26 | Alternator View problems with the alternator fuse… |
| Fuse MINI 5A | 27 | Rear control unit, Antenna |
| Fuse MINI 15A | 28 | HEGO sensor transmission shift solenoid, Canister vent, A/C clutch relay View problems with the air conditioning fuse… |
| Relay | 29 | Wiper park relay |
| Relay | 30 | Fuel pump relay View problems with the fuel pump relay… |
| Relay | 31 | PCM power relay |
| Relay | 32 | Fan relay View problems with the cooling fan relay… |
| Relay | 33 | A/C clutch relay View problems with the air conditioning relay… |
In conclusion, if you are troubleshooting your 2002 Ford Taurus OBD2 system, begin by checking fuse number 30 (15A MICRO2) in the passenger compartment fuse box. This fuse is specifically linked to the OBD II connector and is a common point of failure. Understanding both fuse box locations and their diagrams will empower you to perform basic electrical system checks and maintain your vehicle effectively.
